The Steve Turner Discussion Thread.

[DeeGan]

Press release from the Titans and as expected, the Titans have the support of the NRL on this issue:

NRL Blows out Storm?s hopes of securing Turner!

The National Rugby League has officially sided with the Gold Coast Titans, refusing to register a playing contract lodged today by the Melbourne Storm and rising star Steve Turner.

NRL CEO David Gallop informed Titans Managing Director Michael Searle of the League?s decision this afternoon, finding that a binding agreement is in place between the Gold Coast Club and the 21 year old flyer.

?It?s a vindication for us that we have followed the right protocol and procedures and that we have a binding agreement with Steven. From our point of view, providing Steven accepts the referee?s decision, we look forward to having him here in 2007.? Searle said

The decision all but rules out the possibility of Turner playing Rugby League in 2007 for anyone other than the Gold Coast Titans.

?His contract with the Storm hasn?t been registered and obviously any contract that he tries to register other than with the Titans will be rejected by the National Rugby League. Mr Gallop has also indicated that this ruling extends to U.K Super League, so one would hope he makes the right decision and honours his commitment to the Titans.?

Searle has maintained his tough stance by refusing to enter into a round of negotiations with the Melbourne Club. However he has extended an olive branch to Turner, saying he?ll be welcomed with open arms to the Titans fold once his finals commitments have concluded.

?We have been very open with Steve and feel that he has probably been pushed into a corner. We understand that he is only a young man and at the end of the day there are no misgivings from our point of view. We just look forward to meeting with him and talking things through and assuring Steve that he will be more than welcome here in 2007. I am looking forward to seeing Steve excel at fullback for the Gold Coast franchise in 2007.?

That branch didn?t extend to the Storms administration. ?I lay blame squarely on the Melbourne Storm administration who signed the player without the presence of his agent. If Melbourne had taken our advice that we had a clear agreement which is what the NRL have found today, then things would not have got to this stage.?

Short version: Turner plays for the Titans in 2007 or no team at all.

I honestly believe that Turner is caught up in the emotion of being a part of a successful Melbourne Storm team who are setting the bar high for the 2006 competition. He is finally getting regular starting time and "all is fine" at the moment. If he was able to stay in 2007, would "all be fine"? Bellamy would have had Slater, King, Inglis, Geyer, Quinn and Turner to fit in to a backline - would Turner yet again be the odd man out as he has been in the past? We will never now know.

The best thing for Turner to do is re-committ to the Gold Coast Titans and this all blow over. I know for a fact he will be welcomed with open arms by the team on and off the field. A end of season trip to clear his head will do the world of good.